Vernal Equinox

After we went home, I immediately started working on the secret invention that I told Millie.

Well, I guess it's not really a secret anymore since I've told Millie about it but. At the very least, she doesn't know anything about it. The water tank that I bought has a lot of purposes and I doubt she would be able to discern what am I building based on that thing alone.

Since I'm going to be busy for a while, I left the mixing of the Ice Candies to the trio maids. I wrote on the paper the ingredients and the process that they need to follow step by step and sent them a tutorial video on how to mix it properly. Ice Candies are not easy to mix. Each ingredient requires a specific amount so that it balances the flavor and the sweetness. If one of them messes it up, the taste wouldn't be the same and it might tick off some buyers.

That is why I had to show them how it is done through a tutorial video that I filmed myself.

Anyway, back to the water tank. I immediately locked myself inside my office and started getting all of the things that I need.

First off, the fan that I built last week is going to be the main part of the object that I'm going to build. You can simply say that it is an important component, and without it, I won't be able to progress with the other mechanical parts.

I then laid the water tank on the table. I also brought my toolbox and an absorbent sheet as well as some plastic scraps that I've been collecting for quite a while now. The other components are inside the drawer of this table so I wouldn't have any problem getting them.

"All that's left is..." I looked around and checked if I left the schematic frame of the component. "Ah, there we go..."

And with that, the preparation was done.

The one that I'm going to build this time is actually something called an "Air Cooler Fan".

It is some kind of Air conditioning appliance but the main difference is that it won't require any outside ventilation. I already have the necessary instruction on how to build and assemble it including the sketches and the wiring connection manual. All that's left is me doing my best to build it.

You might think: "Oh, why don't you just buy a small and cheap Air Cooler from an online shop?"

Well, here's the answer: I don't have money, and I don't want to, and I don't care. I want to build it myself so that I could increase my engineering skill and hopefully gain some experience.

It's not like I won't be able to afford it. We could just use our earnings from the Ice Candies to buy stuff that we need but... I want to make this appliance a special gift for the maids that helped me when I was a baby.

Also, it's hot, so... In order for them to feel refreshed after long hours of household work, I need to somehow provide them with this Air Cooler. I'll put it in the lounge since most of them use it as a meeting room or resting area.

I got the gist of how I am going to build the Air Cooler. First off, an Air Cooler has three main parts: A water tank, an absorbent sheet, and a fan. This is the reason why I bought a water tank from the store earlier.

The way it works is that You fill the tank with cold water and let the absorbent sheet soak it up. As the water evaporates from the sheet, it cools the air around it. This newly-cooled air is blown out into your room by the fan for a natural, refreshing breeze.

Of course, there might be some setbacks on this one. Sometimes, Air coolers tend to not blow any sufficient cold air. To fix it, the first thing that I need to check would be the water system. I need to make sure there's enough water in the unit, then check the water pump to be sure it's operating correctly, and verify that the distributor is not clogged.

Also, in terms of energy consumption, Air coolers do not use a lot of electricity. I've heard that they generally consume less than 100 watts - or as little as 50 watts or so for the most efficient models. Meaning to say that this thing won't be able to affect our electricity bill that much even though it will be used for a long time.

And for the water system, I'm sure the maids can generate enough water using their Astral Magic to keep it running so... I don't have any problem with it.

And speaking of water, some Air coolers actually have ice chambers on them where you can drop ice for better cooling. When there is ice involved, the pads become cooler and deliver even cooler air. Keep in mind that adding too much ice will slow down the evaporating process and will hamper the cooling efficiency.

Taking everything into account, I started building the framework first while measuring the size of the component.

I know that this unit would be heavy for a nine-year-old kid but good thing I trained to actually carry stuff so it won't be a problem.

After compositing the water system, I then shifted to wiring and mechanical work and assembled all of the main parts including the fan that I made earlier.

And then after eight hours of work, I was finally able to complete the appliance without any issues.

"Phew, that really took a while... I should probably test it." I don't have enough time to rest since I'm really excited about the result so I carried the cooler and placed it just on the wall where the socket is. I poured a bucket of water into the tank and then plug it in and turned on the cooler.

Immediately after a few seconds, the fan started spinning and the air that was blasting from it suddenly becomes cold.

"Weird, it's too cold... It almost works like an air conditioner..." Not like I'm complaining though. If this is how cold it gets then I have no problem with it since the colder it is, the more they can relax and refresh.

I left it functioning for about thirty minutes until one hour and I can now feel the difference. Since my office is a bit small, the room got cold quickly but if it is in the lounge room, I'm sure the result wouldn't be the same.

"Hmm, this is great..." I smiled as I refreshed myself in front of the cooler.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. "Sir Aiden, are you busy right now?

"This voice..." I quickly opened the door and then Layla showed up.

"Wait! Why is it cold here?" She immediately felt the difference as soon as she entered my room. "Sir Aiden, what's happening?"

"Ah, well... I built an Air cooler." I answered.

"A what?!"

"An Air cooler." I pointed to the appliance near the wall and when I did, Layla's jaw dropped. It was as if she couldn't believe what she is seeing right now.

"Y-You built this? Like, for real?" She asked again to clarify. It seems like she was shocked by the fact that I built it.

"Yes, is there any problem?"

"No... Of course not. How can there be a problem? This is Sir Aiden. A genius prodigy who can do anything. I shouldn't be surprised anymore." She then heaved a sigh and reclaimed her composed mind. "But why the sudden build? Is this perhaps so that you can chill and sleep properly? I mean, I guess it's obvious because it's hot."

"Actually, I'm thinking of giving this to you and everyone, Miss Layla," I said.

"Wait what? What do you mean, Sir Aiden?" Her eyes widened, not expecting what I blurt out.

"This Air cooler is actually for you guys. Remember how Miss Millie collapsed due to heat stroke? Well, in order to prevent issues like that, I've decided to build this appliance so that all of you can relax in the lounge and refresh yourself. I figured that I should do something for my family and that includes you and the others, Miss Layla." I smiled.

My words seemed to have reached her as Layla embraced me tightly. She thanked me multiple times in the past but this is the first time that I've seen her shed some emotion.

"Thank you, Sir Aiden. Really, thank you..."

And it's also my first time... receiving a kiss on my cheeks from someone other than Mama and Papa.

"E-Eh? M-Miss Layla...?" I placed my palm on my cheek, comprehending what just happened.

"Take it as a reward from me~" She winked. When she said that, I suddenly felt my face getting hot and averted my eyes. I mean, this is Layla we're talking about here! She's a beautiful and mature woman that has the same personality as Mama and she's really attractive!

I've never been so flustered in my life... Even Miss Millie couldn't get me into this kind of state! Sarra had tried sometimes but she failed but... It's different when it is Layla that tries something unexpected to me!

"A-Anyway! I need help taking this to the lounge. Can you help me, Miss Layla?" I asked, still flustered by the kiss.

"Hee hee~ Of course. I'll call the others to help."

With the help of Layla and the others, the Air cooler that I built was finally transferred to the lounge room.

And as expected, everyone was shocked, surprised, and flabbergasted by my actions. But even so, they still enjoyed the product and thanked me properly. I told them that it is a gift from me and they all cried when I said that. Kinda weird but okay...

Layla, Millie, and Sara were happier than the rest. I've never seen them this joyful. They mostly just smile when they're in my presence but I could feel that they're tired. That's why...

Well, I'm just glad that they're enjoying my work.

***

Do you know what's the most effective solution to fix my problem of not having any Astral Magic?

It's making a weapon out of it.

If I can't produce my own spell then I just have to build a weapon that can produce one for me. It's not easy, but I know that I can do it.

Mama and Papa have made certain designs regarding MFUs that uses high-velocity weapons or launcher only exclusive for military purposes. And I've heard that most students from Apexaid Academy has their own MFUs for training and it has a module for weapon device.

I don't think I would be able to protect myself if I just brought my body and brain. In case someone attacked me while using the MFU, I might as well build something similar that is portable, small, and could be carried anywhere I want.

Take note: I don't have any experience in making weapons. Forging is out of an option because I'm not a licensed blacksmith and I don't have the ability to tweak stuff using normal or traditional forging ways.

"Melee stuff is kinda meh..."

We're living in modern times so having a sword or a dagger to protect me would be disadvantageous if I'm against a bunch of magic-powered mech suits. Heck, even if I have a long-ranged one, I doubt I'd be able to survive.

"Astral magic is powerful... so why not make an Astral magic weapon?" That's the question that I asked when I first conceptualize.

And to do that, I need two important things:

One is a weapon that can withstand the force or pressure of Astral Magic and has high durability and can be calibrated. This weapon should be small, can be carried or hidden, can last a long time, and can destroy something in one shot.

Two, a source of Astral Energy where I could anchor all of my needs so that I wouldn't have to worry about running out of power when I use the weapon. It's like a battery but infinite but it's kinda impossible to create something like that I'll stick to a simple one which is a cartridge.

I already have the second one so all I need to do is build the weapon.

The weapon that I've thought of is actually a Desert Eagle handgun.

They are offered with a hard-coat anodized black aluminum frame, stainless steel slide and integral muzzle brake barrel, attractive black appointments and feature a Picatinny rail on the frame. The overall length is 10.75", the height is 6.25", and the slide width is 1.25". The single-action pistol has a 4-pound trigger pull.

According to gun experts, the Desert Eagle is built more like a rifle than a handgun. The gas-operated kickback mechanism is what makes shooting a Desert Eagle 50 Cal such a powerful experience.

But let's say we swap that gas-operated mechanism and power the handgun with Astral Magic instead.

I'm thinking of making it a small rail gun but the design is similar to a Desert Eagle frame. A rail gun is a weapon that uses stored electricity to generate sufficient energy to propel a projectile at a very high velocity. However, instead of a barrel, it is fitted with a pair of parallel conducting rails between which the projectile is accelerated by electromagnetic force.

Now what would happen if we take both of them and fuse them together? But instead of stored electricity, we store Astral Energy or Mana?

It's definitely going to be a deadly weapon for sure and I might kill or destroy someone if I fire it accidentally but...

"Lynn, are you ready?" I turned to my little sister behind me.

"Yes, Big Brother!" She nodded in response.

"Well then, let's start..."

With summer about to end, Lynn and I spent our time developing a prototype for the weapon that I need.

And after a month of research and repair, we finally finished it. The gun that would penetrate everything in its path. Marking a balance of day and night.

It was the beginning of Spring when we finished it... And by that I mean—

The most powerful handgun in the world—the Vernal Equinox.